Santa celebrates 55 years

Sandy Elken holds a baby at a party thrown last weekend to celebrate his many years as Santa. (Courtesy Cindy Easter)

Meet one of Seattle’s longest-running Santas.

Sandy Elken has been playing Santa for 55 years. Each year the 80-year-old former photographer and truck driver visits the homes of friends and families in the Seattle area on Christmas Eve and entertains their children.

Saturday, generations of admirers gathered at a community club in North Seattle to reminisce about Elken’s long-running visits. For many it was the first time they met the other people Elken’s visited each Christmas.

They feasted on home-made food. And then when Elken came out in his 53-year-old Santa suit, they brought their children and grandchildren to sit in the man’s lap.

About 45 years ago, Craig Easter says he got scared when Elken arrived at his front door. He slammed the door in Santa’s face. But Elken was always friendly anyway. Now, the 49-year-old has children and grandchildren of his own whom he brought to see Santa on Saturday.

Elken says he’s never made money from being Santa. Any donations go directly to charity. If he sees children he doesn’t know on Christmas, he’ll stop and offer them an orange or apple.

He says he’ll keep being Santa until his body gives out. And this Christmas he’ll be out paying visits once more.

“As long as I can, I see no reason to stop because there are still kids out there,” Elken said.